The Americans, New Girl And More Headline Critics' Choice Television Award Nominations

It’s that time of year again. The Broadcast TV Journalists Association has spoken out to release its list of nominations for the BTJA's 3rd Critics’ Choice Television Awards, which means this is only the third time this nomination list has been compiled. And for such a young ceremony, it certainly isn’t afraid to go against popular opinions, as you’ll notice by the snubs given to 3-time Emmy Award-winner Modern Family and 4-time Emmy-winner Mad Men. Seems like either a gusty or shortsighted move.

Deadline released the list and it looks like the Best Drama Series category is the same as last year, only Mad Men was replaced by the first-year FX drama The Americans. It’s a choice I could not have predicted, even with three hints given to me. In fact, the only time Mad Men even made this list is for Elizabeth Moss’ nomination in Best Actress in a Drama Series. The Best Comedy Series, on the other hand, has switched out half of last year’s nominees. The 2012 winner Community is understandably absent after such a vastly uneven fourth season, as are Modern Family and HBO’s Girls, replaced by HBO’s instant classic Veep, Fox’s New Girl and ABC’s The Middle. I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say, “Are you kidding me with this The Middle business?” No 30 Rock?

The two shows with six nominees each – the most of all shows – were The Big Bang Theory, nominated for Best Comedy and five actor slots, and FX’s American Horror Story: Asylum, which conquered the miniseries nominations.

The awards ceremony, hosted by Parks and Recreation’s Retta, will be held on June 1, though it wasn’t stated if or where the ceremony would air. You can see a full list of the nominees below. Beyond my ever-present happiness for a Louie nod, I’m really glad Kevin Spacey’s Netflix turn on House of Cards got its due credit, as well as Tatiana Maslany, who has been outstanding in her multiple role duties on BBC America’s Orphan Black. Who are some of your favorites?